Recovery is a lifelong process, and it’s not a solo journey. Support groups and other recovery resources can help you stay on track when the going gets tough. One powerful form of support is the 12-step program.
You’ve probably heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups, but you may not know all the details about how these programs work. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at 12-step programs and see how they could help you or a loved one stay sober.
What Is a 12-Step Program?
A 12-step program is a set of guiding principles that defines a course of action for handling problems such as drug addiction or alcoholism. The steps were originally defined by Alcoholics Anonymous in the 1930s; since then, the 12 steps have become a widely used approach to tackle other forms of addictive or compulsive behavior. There are hardly any requirements to join a 12-step program: all you need is a desire to overcome your addiction.1
How Does It Work?
In a 12-step program, the first step is to admit that you’re powerless over your addiction. Next, you’re asked to turn yourself over to a higher power; you’re free to choose whatever higher power works for you.
The steps will then take you through a process of self-examination, requiring that you take responsibility for your sobriety and make amends with people who might have been hurt by your addictive behavior.
The final step in a 12-step program encourages participants to help other people in their recovery journey. Many members of a 12-step group become sponsors after they’ve worked all the steps, supporting and mentoring new participants.
Benefits of the 12 Steps
When you’re in recovery, it’s normal to feel isolated. You might have had to distance yourself from friends who still drink or use, and it’s not always easy to build new relationships. A 12-step program can provide a strong, sober network and a powerful sense of community.
Members are encouraged to continue attending meetings for the rest of their lives. These programs also force you to confront your addiction head-on; no more excuses or blame games.
Research has shown that a 12-step program can make a big difference in a person’s long-term recovery. One study looked at people with an extensive history of addiction and identified certain key factors that contributed to their sobriety.
Participation in a 12-step program was found to be one of the most critical factors; in fact, nearly every person in the study with a long record of sobriety was still actively involved with their 12-step group.2
Addiction is a tough disease, but the right kind of support can make the road to recovery easier. Help is available if you or someone you love is struggling to maintain sobriety, and a 12-step program could be the key to your sustained recovery.